Tottori Castle (鳥取城), also known as “Kyushozan Castle” (久松山城), was a mountain castle located in Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture, Japan. The castle was built around 1532-1555 by Yamana Toyokuni, a powerful feudal lord during the Sengoku period. It later came under the control of the Ikeda clan.
The castle was subjected to a devastating siege in 1581 by Hashiba Hideyoshi (later Toyotomi Hideyoshi), which led to its fall through a brutal starvation tactic known as the “Starvation of Tottori.” Although it was rebuilt and used for some time afterward, the castle was eventually abandoned in 1873.
Today, only the ruins of the castle remain, including some of the impressive stone walls, moats, and several gates. Parts of the castle, such as the Tenkyumaru and Ninomaru areas, have been restored.
The Tottori Castle Ruins are a popular tourist attraction and a designated National Historic Site of Japan. Visitors can walk around the castle grounds, explore the restored and unrestored sections, and enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. The Jinpukaku, a Western-style building constructed in the Meiji era, also stands within the castle grounds and is open to the public as a museum.
Getting there
By Bus
- Take the 100-yen Kururi Bus from Tottori Station
- Get off at stop number 12
- The bus ride takes about 10 minutes
- Buses depart every 20 minutes
On Foot
- It’s about a 30-minute walk from Tottori Station
By Car
- Parking is available near the castle ruins
- Look for parking around 〒680-0005 Tottori, 東町
- Public parking lots are available nearby, costing around 300-500 yen for a few hours
Details
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Admission | Free |
| Address | 2 Chome-121 Higashimachi, Tottori, 680-0011 |
| Resources | https://www.city.tottori.lg.jp/www/contents/1575443542873/index.html |